The state lost 1,400 jobs in May, while the unemployment rate remained stable, according to a report released Thursday by the Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL).
The (DOL) said this is the first estimated monthly job loss in the state in 2016. The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for Connecticut in May was estimated at 5.7 percent, unchanged for the third consecutive month. In May 2015, the unemployment rate was 5.6 percent.
The DOL also revised downward April’s jobs growth from 3,500 new jobs to 3,200 new jobs. Over the past year, Connecticut added 13,900 new jobs.
“Connecticut’s decline of 1,400 jobs in May follows a very slow month for job growth across the country,” said Andy Condon, director of the Office of Research. “Our labor force saw small but equal percentage declines in both residents employed and unemployed, resulting in an unchanged unemployment rate [from April].”
Connecticut’s private sector employment at 1,449,300 was also lower in May by 2,400 jobs (-0.17 percent) but is estimated to be higher by 14,700 jobs (1.02 percent, 1,225 jobs per month average) over the year. The government supersector added 1,000 jobs (0.42 percent, 238,800 jobs) last month but remains the only declining major industry supersector (-800, -0.33 percent) since May 2015.
Five of the 10 industry supersectors gained employment in May 2016 while five declined (seasonally adjusted). Manufacturing (1,200, 0.8 percent, 160,900 jobs) led gainers. The durable-goods production subsectors (800, 0.7 percent, 124,100 jobs), which includes defense and aerospace, have been growing lately.
